Land Use

Water is the lifeblood of the Delta, and fresh water is essential to agriculture – the foundation of the Delta regional economy. The Delta Protection Commission is committed to a reliable fresh water supply for the Delta, and while remaining mindful of California’s other thirsty regions, the Commission insists that a viable California water solution must respect and protect the Delta’s unique values.

Oversight of Delta land use and resource management is a fundamental responsibility of the Commission, which works to conserve agricultural land and economically sustainable agricultural operations in the Delta.

Current Program Focus

Land Use – Statutory authority over Delta land use in the Primary Zone is the Delta Protection Commission’s legislative mandate.

Comment Letters- Commission staff are called upon to evaluate development projects throughout the five Delta counties for consistency with the Land Use and Resource Management Plan.

California WaterFix – The Commission voted to oppose the Bay Delta Conservation Plan in May of 2013, citing important inconsistencies with the Land Use and Resource Management Plan for the Delta and other concerns, and has submitted comment letters in every public comment phase of the project.

Rural-Urban Connection Strategies – Delta agriculture is a foundation of the Delta’s regional economy. The Commission works to increase Delta agriculture sustainability through innovative economic strategies.

Invasive Aquatic Species – The spread of invasive aquatic species imperils the Delta ecology and economy, impacting shipping, recreation, native species and agriculture.

Agritourism – The Delta’s proximity to populated urban regions offers an opportunity for farms to welcome the public.